Hybrid Cars: Hybrid Cars

Hybrid cars are arguably the most innovative automotive vehicles of our time. Ever since the first Honda Insight (1999) and Toyota Prius (2000) reached U.S. auto dealers, the impact of these environmentally friendly vehicles has continued to grow. Today, there are several more hybrid-electric cars on the market, including the Honda Civic and Insight, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Chevy Malibu, Lexus GS450h, HS 250h and Lincoln MKZ . And this list doesn’t even include hybrid suv models or all electric cars.

For those who are just starting to research hybrids, a hybrid car is (simply stated) a vehicle that includes a gas engine and an electric motor. The electric motor is powered by batteries that recharge during braking, and it also is designed to assist the traditional gasoline motor as needed. And, while more of us might be driving plug-in hybrid cars in the very near future, current models do not (contrary to popular belief) need to be plugged in. Many of the current hybrid vehicles for sale look and drive so much like other cars that without hybrid badges, you might not even notice the difference.

The most popular hybrid vehicle is the Toyota Prius, which now comes in several models (liftback, C, V, Plugin). Month after month, and year after year, the Prius continues to outsell all other green makes and models. Its tremendous popularity is based on its size, affordable price, futuristic design, incredible gas mileage, and many other factors. Even so, Toyota isn’t resting on the past success of the Prius. The next generation model is due out in 2015 and poised to retain its crown of top selling hybrid car.

Toyota is far from alone in this game. Most other auto manufacturers are also jumping into hybrid cars. These include Ford, Acura, Honda, Kia, Infiniti, Lexus, Lincoln, Nissan, Volkswagen, and more. And, as hybrid technologies continue to improve and become less expensive, we expect the best hybrid cars are yet to come.

It’s also getting easier to find used hybrid cars for sale, which benefits everyone – especially as gas prices head back into record territory. Some day, 60 mpg vehicles might seem really inefficient. For now we are still focusing on 2014 and newer hybrids, as the top selling hybrid cars get better every year. If you are a fan of hybrid or electric cars, please show your support and give us a little “Like” below!